The Suns continue to have interest in working out a trade for Hornets forward Miles Bridges ahead of Thursday’s deadline, according to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. The problem, Rankin adds, is that Phoenix doesn’t have many assets available and hasn’t made much progress with an offer of Nassir Little and second-round picks.
Matching Bridges’ salary won’t be an issue because he’s making just $7.9MM this season after accepting Charlotte’s qualifying offer last summer. He would be a short-term rental, Rankin adds, because the Suns aren’t in a financial position to re-sign him when he reaches free agency in July.
Rankin notes that Phoenix is currently $21.5MM over the luxury tax line with an estimated $50.6MM tax bill and is projected to be a second-apron team next season. The Suns have trade exceptions worth $6.5MM and $5MM, but the deadline will present their final chance to send out cash and aggregate salaries in a deal.
The market for Bridges has been limited because of his legal issues, which include a domestic violence incident in 2022 that resulted in a 30-game suspension, as well as a pending court appearance next month for allegedly violating a protection order. He has been productive this season, averaging 21.3 points and 7.2 rebounds in 38 games, and scored a career-high 45 points tonight in what could be his final appearance in a Hornets’ uniform.
There’s more from the Pacific Division:
- Coach Darvin Ham believes the Lakers are in a “great space” heading into deadline day, per Khobi Price of The Orange County Register. The team is back home and brimming with confidence after going 4-2 on its annual Grammys road trip. Price shared a quote from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who said Wednesday on NBA Today that trade speculation surrounding the team, and D’Angelo Russell in particular, seems to have calmed down. “Their calculus has changed in recent weeks with the reemergence of D’Angelo Russell as their point guard,” Wojnarowski said. “Maybe three weeks to a month ago, he was very available. And I think the Lakers thought there might be some opportunities to upgrade on him. That isn’t the case right now. Players who the Lakers have had interest in: Dejounte Murray, Bruce Brown, specifically with Brown, it’s really hard for them to make the money work on a trade without putting D’Angelo Russell in. And that doesn’t make sense for them.”
- Klay Thompson declined to address trade possibilities after tonight’s game, telling reporters, “I don’t partake in NBA discourse,” tweets Anthony Slater of The Athletic. Asked if he still wants to remain with the Warriors long-term, Thompson responded, “That is correct. Good assessment.” Addressing his own trade prospects, Andrew Wiggins expressed his love for Golden State’s “fans, coaches, organization, teammates,” Slater adds (Twitter link).
- James Ham of Kings Beat expects a quiet deadline in Sacramento as the Kings‘ rumored interest in Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant and Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma hasn’t led to productive negotiations.
Kings just lost to Detroit. They better make a move.
I agree. They should have done more in the off-season instead of trading their 1st in the last draft to just resign their own players. They need a real PF, Grant, Kuzma or maybe PJ Washington. Harrison Barnes and Murray are both SFs really
Yeah, I had alot of expectations for the Kings to naturally progress this season, but it fornsire seems like they’re just missing something.
I picked Murray as one of my top 5 breakout candidates and being in the running for most improved player, but he’s been more or less a bit stagnant at times.
It’s weird; the Kings took a big step forward defensively this year but they’ve taken an even larger step backwards offensively. 25th to 17th, but backwards from 1st to 14th on offense. Fox, Sabonis, and Murray all look better, but the rest of the roster is visibly worse.
Detroit didn’t have this shooting % on the training..
The Hornets should take that deal or ask for three 2nds. Move Little to the SG spot because he is 6’4 and it to little to be a PF and Miller is the SF.
Trade PJ Washington and Thor for a young PF and expiring contract. Eventually waive Hayward , Lowry, the expiring contract they received from the Washington trade and Bouknight. Promote L Black and look at free agents. Start over fresh
Grant would be nice for sac .. DUH! If you’re going to dream, you may as well try to figure out a way to get Laurie Markkanen in Utah, and just figure out a way to keep Murray out of that trade. Barnes Davion Kessler Lynn 3 first rounders sensor way off in the distance maybe get a third team in so we can make this right but Laurie on the kings. He would free things especially for Domas,, that would just be unreal. Sorry, that’s what happens when you lay down and take your sleeping pill and hope for the best.
I actually like this idea but the Kings would have to include Murray and Davion
Murray, Davion Mitchell, Kessler Edwards and Colby Jones with cash and a pick for Lauri and Luka S. Utah waives Yurtseven . Kings promote Ellis
So just trade for him since suns need more help.
But, the Hornets don’t like what the Suns can offer. So, how can you make a trade.
No buyout market for Suns
GSW has to attach Wiggins & Moody + 2 picks for Caruso and Draymond
Way too much. Wiggins been much better the last couple of weeks and that would be a big over pay.
Draymond who? There is another Draymond in the NBA? Why would you want to trade Wiggins when he is beginning to get back into ’22 Finals form, and the team is gelling? That makes no sense.
Can’t root for the Suns in the playoffs if they get that woman beater Bridges. Gross. Not that I’m a fan but my team ain’t going anywhere and I need to have some sort of vested interest to stay excited.
All professional sports need to meet together to create a unified stance on certain off the court issues. Unfortunately too many of these athletes are knucklehead but seeing one player remain in the NBA, while others are banned in others (MLB) doesnt make sense. I know there are their own business and operate differently but I think it would be a good step forward to trying to reduce/eliminate these offenses.
He was suspended for 30 games his next court date has not come he is innocent until proven guilty.
Except, y’know, he was already found guilty of the wife beating and took a plea deal to avoid prison.
His next court date is for the harassment and destruction of property charges. The actions of which were caught on video.
“I don’t partake in NBA discourse.” Unless it’s a new strain of the things he DOES partake in. What a goof.